I Pushed Through the Fear – Karen Stegall

All artists struggle with fear. The following is the story of how Karen Stegall pushed through her fears. Hers is one story in a series of stories provided by real artists in the real world. If, after reading this story, you find yourself wondering why you haven’t pushed through your own creative fears, then that’s probably a good thing. It may even be my goal in telling these stories, but don’t quote me on that.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF

I’m a 37-year-old “stay at home artist,” a term I coined after I was tired of trying to explain how I wrestle with my camera or pen between diaper changes.  I live in Los Angeles with my amazing husband, an 8-month-old, another in the oven, a cat I never see, and a window with a view of a red-berried tree.

DESCRIBE YOUR ART

A seasonal artist perhaps?  I began in theatre, directing and writing which gave me a passion for the image, and so I slipped into filmmaking and photography.   I still write, direct theatre, make films and shoot images, but it seems to happen according to availability and more often than not… my changing moods.

WHAT WERE THE VOICES OF RESISTANCE TELLING YOU ABOUT YOUR ART? ABOUT YOU?

My site doesn’t have enough of my work up, and my Facebook like page is stale.  My camera isn’t a professional one, I am not a tech-savvy person, I have horrendous grammar, I never know when to use commas or any punctuation for that matter, and I sometimes make up words that don’t exist.  Bottom line:  I’ll never be really great at anything I do.  I’m limited, and God probably wants me for something else anyway.

WHAT FINALLY PUSHED YOU OVER THE EDGE, SO THAT YOU CREATED THIS ART?

The deadline to email Gary.  The first time I put it out there (maybe a year ago), I didn’t really care… everyone on Facebook knows me and loves me anyway, and I don’t really think I’m picking up unsolicited traffic on my website.  Submitting work to be viewed by strangers is a totally different game.

DESCRIBE HOW YOU FELT THE MOMENT IT WENT PUBLIC. TELL THAT STORY.

The moment is right now, and it feels like a big mistake.  Like I need to quickly upload some new content and delete everything else.  I feel poorly represented, but at the same time it’s this fear that keeps me sharp and I’m finding myself newly inspired.

WHERE CAN WE EXPERIENCE THE ART YOU CREATED?

http://www.karenstegall.com/index2.php#/rgallery1/3/ (the girl with the accordion).

https://www.facebook.com/BlueAugustPhotography

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